Fair, Reliable, Independent and Cost-Effective? Preferences of German citizens regarding the design of the energy transition

The German energy transition (ET) comprises a bundle of activities such as increase in energy efficiency, expansion of renewable energy supplies, nuclear and fossil fuel phase[1]out, grid extension and enforcement, roll-out of smart grid and energy storage. Studies show a high general approval of the energy transition and its goals in Germany. However, what does the German population think about the different activities of the energy transition? And can groups of individuals be formed on the basis of the perceptions of these various activities? What is the socio-demographic structure of these groups? We aim to answer these questions based on a survey study in Germany (n=889) with a focus on the perception of so-called design elements of the energy transition, i.e. overall objectives and activities to achieve the energy transition. The data analysis shows a high cost sensitivity in society with regard to energy and a positive evaluation of energy independence. Measures, i.e. different types of policy instruments promoting the energy transition, achieved the least approval. A segmentation based on the perceptions of the design elements revealed four clusters: (1) "rejectors of the energy transition", (2) "energy transition enthusiasts", (3) "reserved environmental promoters" and (4) "price-sensitive supporters of energy independence". The clusters indicated that individuals struggle to comprehend and assess each specific design element independently; instead, they tend to hold a broad positive or negative attitude and evaluation of these elements.